Phillip Slater, (Phil) 79, of Independence, formerly of Sweet Home passed away from pancreatic cancer on July 6, 2026. He was born in 1947 in Sweet Home, the son of Lee and Edith Slater. He grew up in Sweet Home, Sisters and Detroit, Oregon.

He attended Detroit High School and Sweet Home High School. After graduating from Sweet Home High School, he was drafted into the United States Army.

Following his military service, Phil returned to Oregon and married Carolyn in 1969. They lived in the Crawfordsville area for 49 years. He began working in the Sweet Home, Springfield and Eugene area. Most of his career was spent with the State of Oregon Motor Pool in Eugene, as an auto mechanic.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carolyn Slater and their daughter, Jennifer Slater. He was predeceased by his parents Lee and Edith Slater and his sister Barbara Delano.

Per Phil’s request, there will be no funeral or memorial service. Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements. www.sweethomefuneral.com.